Grilled Kofta at Home: An Easy, Reliable Recipe
Kofta is minced meat kneaded with onion, garlic, parsley and spices plus breadcrumbs for structure, shaped onto skewers, and grilled for 10–15 minutes, turning, until browned all over. Meat with some fat in it is what keeps it from drying out.
- Prep
- 21 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 51 min
- Calories
- 330
Grilled kofta is one of the most familiar dishes in Arab cooking, and one of the easiest to get right once you know two things: how much to knead, and how much fat the mince needs.
الوصفة بالفيديو 2:11 min
Method
-
1
The mixture
In a deep bowl, combine the minced meat with the chopped onion, garlic, parsley and coriander if using. Add the salt, black pepper, mixed spice and cinnamon, and mix well. Add the breadcrumbs or flour to bind it, then knead the mixture thoroughly for five minutes.
-
2
Shaping
Divide the mixture into small balls or fingers, whichever you prefer. To shape it on skewers, press the mixture around wooden or metal skewers.
-
3
Marinating (optional)
For extra flavour, mix the lemon juice with the olive oil and cumin, coat the kofta, and leave it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
⏱ 15 min -
4
Grilling
Heat the grill or coals well. Put the kofta on the grill, or in the oven at a medium heat. Grill for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and browned on all sides.
⏱ 15 min -
5
Serving
Serve the kofta with rice or flatbread, alongside tahini sauce or a green salad.
Cooked it? Rate it
Your rating tells the next cook whether this recipe is worth their time.
✓ Thanks — your rating is in.
Tips that actually matter
- To avoid dry kofta, make sure the mince has some fat in it.
- Metal or wooden skewers give the shape that holds together on the grill.
- Don't compress the meat too hard while shaping — that's what dries it out.
- A handful of chopped walnuts or almonds worked into the mixture adds a distinctive note.
What is grilled kofta?
Grilled kofta is minced meat mixed with spices and shaped into balls or fingers, then grilled over charcoal or cooked in the oven. It is light and delicious, and you can make it with lamb, beef or even chicken, as you prefer.
Ways to enjoy grilled kofta
- A main meal that's perfect for the family.
- A side dish at parties and special occasions.
- You can make the kofta in advance and keep it in the freezer.
What makes grilled kofta special?
- It tastes wonderful and is easy to make.
- You can adjust the mix-ins and spices to suit your taste.
- It makes a healthy meal, especially when it is grilled rather than fried.
That's grilled kofta — easy, quick and consistently good. Make it at home and share it; it holds its own next to anything off a restaurant grill.
People also ask
Can I use minced chicken?
Yes — minced chicken works, or a mix of chicken and beef.
Can I cook kofta in the oven?
Yes, at 180°C for about twenty minutes, until cooked through.
How do I know when it's done?
Cut one open — it should be cooked evenly all the way through with no pink centre.
Cook mode
Grilled Kofta at Home: An Easy, Reliable Recipe
-
1
The mixture
In a deep bowl, combine the minced meat with the chopped onion, garlic, parsley and coriander if using. Add the salt, black pepper, mixed spice and cinnamon, and mix well. Add the breadcrumbs or flour to bind it, then knead the mixture thoroughly for five minutes.
-
2
Shaping
Divide the mixture into small balls or fingers, whichever you prefer. To shape it on skewers, press the mixture around wooden or metal skewers.
-
3
Marinating (optional)
For extra flavour, mix the lemon juice with the olive oil and cumin, coat the kofta, and leave it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
-
4
Grilling
Heat the grill or coals well. Put the kofta on the grill, or in the oven at a medium heat. Grill for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and browned on all sides.
-
5
Serving
Serve the kofta with rice or flatbread, alongside tahini sauce or a green salad.
Comments
Cooked it? Tell us how it went, or ask a question — we read every comment.